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Imagine waking up to the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked French toast, perfectly caramelized and topped with a satisfying crunch. The Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast is not just a breakfast; it’s an indulgent experience that transforms the familiar into the extraordinary. This recipe combines the traditional elements of French toast with the luxurious flavors of crème brûlée, creating a dish that is both creamy and crispy, rich and satisfying.

Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast! This easy and decadent recipe transforms classic French toast into a gourmet breakfast treat. With rich custard made from eggs, milk, and cream, and a crisp caramelized sugar topping, it’s perfect for special occasions or weekend brunch. Prepare it the night before, bake it in the morning, and enjoy with fresh berries and whipped cream. A delicious way to start your day!

Ingredients
  

1 loaf of French bread (about 12-14 ounces), cut into 1-inch thick slices

6 large eggs

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup brown sugar, for topping

Optional: Fresh berries and whipped cream for serving

Instructions
 

Prepare the Bread: Arrange the slices of French bread in a single layer in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. You may want to overlap the pieces slightly.

    Make the Custard: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

      Combine: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the bread slices, making sure all pieces are thoroughly soaked. Gently press the bread down to ensure the custard is absorbed.

        Cover and Refrigerate: Once the bread is well-coated, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal to allow the flavors to meld.

          Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

            Bake: Remove the dish from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

              Caramelize the Top: Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the french toast. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until you achieve a crisp, hard shell (about 1-2 minutes). Alternatively, you can place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes, but watch closely to prevent burning.

                Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, topped with fresh berries and whipped cream if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 8 servings